Are you seeking for an alternative to your traditional ceiling fan because you’re sick of having to manually switch it on by pushing buttons or pulling cords? If that sounds like you, keep reading because we’re about to tell you about a ceiling fan that operates without any switches or pulleys. That’s correct; you saw it written there. Smart ceiling fans allow you to regulate the fan’s on/off cycle from a distance.
When you have a smart ceiling fan, you may use the included remote to manage the fan’s speed and light. Alternatively, you may use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to operate the smart ceiling fan. As an added bonus, some smart ceiling fans can be controlled not only from your phone, but also by voice-activated virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. We should find out how to best take use of it.
How Do Those High-Tech Smart Ceiling Fans Work?
Smart ceiling fans function similarly to standard ceiling fans, with the added ability to sense when air movement is desired and when it is not. This implies that you may select a desired temperature or schedule for the ceiling fan to run at.
Occupancy sensors and geolocation settings in more sophisticated models ensure that it only turns on when it is actually needed.
Also Read: Best High CFM Ceiling Fans
Smart ceiling fans use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to run, as opposed to the pull cord or electrical wire required for a normal ceiling fan. While away from home, you may use your iOS or Android device to control and configure them to carry out in accordance with a predetermined setting and timetable.
If you don’t want to get rid of your classic ceiling fan, you can turn it into a smart fan by installing a small device inside it, using a hub and your existing motorized blind IR remote control (see Bond Hub for an example), or replacing your regular wall switch with a Z-Wave or Zigbee version that connects and controls your fan.
What is the average price of a smart ceiling fan?
Briefly said, that might be anything from $300 to $1,000.
For example, one of the most popular ceiling fans on the market, the Haiku, sells for $700. The $300 price tag per unit makes Hunter ceiling fans some of the cheapest in the market.
Then, why is there such a disparity in cost?
In general, the lower the price point, the poorer the build quality, the more likely the app will be buggy, the less sophisticated the app experience will be, and the slower the customer assistance will be.
Also Read: Best Expensive Ceiling Fans
You may turn your existing ceiling fan into a “smart fan” by installing a z-wave switch, infrared remote hub connection, or hardwired Wi-Fi add-on, even on a tight budget.
The Bond control hub, for instance, will set you back $95, but it can be linked to a whopping six different types of ceiling fans. On the other hand, the GE Z-wave smart switch only costs $26 on Amazon.
Who Makes Smart Ceiling Fans and Where Can I Buy Them?
Big Ass Fans’ Haiku brand of smart ceiling fans is one of the most well-known names in the industry. Using its established reputation as a market leader, this firm has formed strategic alliances with other industry heavyweights including Amazon (for Alexa), Ecobee (for smart thermostats), EERO, and Google Assistant.
For a smart ceiling fan, Haiku is both well-known and pricey.
These are some other major players:
- Hunter Fan Company
- Bond – For Control Hubs
- Minka-Aire
- Carro
Also Read: Best Enclosed Ceiling Fans
When it comes to smart ceiling fans, how do you operate one?
To turn on and off smart ceiling fans, you can:
Voice control
Use your voice to activate the gadget by calling out to Alexa, Google Home, or Homekit/Siri.
Infrared remote control
If you don’t have any of the aforementioned smart home brands, you can usually still utilize the blinds in your house by pointing an old-fashioned infrared remote control at the blinds in question.
Toggle switch on a wall
If you already have a Z-wave wall switch installed, you may use it to regulate the fan.
Smartphone app
This is the more practical choice if you need to calm down after being steamed up by your boss and then need to get home to cool off.
Timer or Schedule:
Specifically timed to activate only once night falls, etc.
Using devices like occupancy detectors
through a sensor that measures heat or dampness
Also Read: Best Bladeless Ceiling Fans
Factors to Look in Smart Ceiling Fans
Efficiency:
In regions that experience prolonged periods of extremely hot weather, smart ceiling fans are a welcome addition. They don’t chill the air as air conditioners do, but they do circulate it. As a result, individuals have a cooling effect as the redirected air reduces their sweat. While high-tech ceiling fans can keep you cool from the inside out.
Versatility:
Smart ceiling fans are versatile in that they may be used to assist keep you warm even in the winter. There is a function on most fans that reduces the effects of clustering caused by excessive heat. The room will feel warmer if you turn the fan’s direction to clockwise, which creates an updraft and helps distribute the room’s heat.
Futuristic:
When using the smart ceiling fan, you may program it to turn on and off at specific times of the day. You may choose from a variety of energy-saving features that are available as an added bonus. During the colder months, you may reverse the direction of the ceiling fan’s motor and let the updraft function do its work. Depending on your requirements, you can choose between an indoor and outdoor setting.
Also Read: Do Ceiling Fans Reduce Radon
Price:
Ceiling fans with smart controls can save heating and cooling costs significantly. While it’s true that having the air conditioner on in the summer is a welcome relief from the heat, it also uses a lot of resources without providing any benefit. The smart ceiling fan is an outstanding and low-cost option.
Features:
One of the many functions of the smart ceiling fan is the ability to adjust the fan speed and light from a distance using a remote. Besides operating it from afar, you can also link it to your smartphone, laptop, or tablet and manage it from there with the use of an app. It’s up to you to decide what kind of remote control you’d want to use for your ceiling fan.
Some high-tech ceiling fans can automatically vary their fan speed in response to the room’s temperature. Assuming you want a constant temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit in your home, a smart ceiling fan can detect when the temperature drops below that range and automatically alter the speed to bring it back up to your preferred setting.
The smart ceiling fan’s detection sensor is an excellent addition. If someone in the family consistently forgets to switch off the fan or the lights, this can help prevent a significant increase in the monthly power cost.
Also Read: Flush Mount vs Downrod Ceiling Fan
Simplicity of Operation:
There are a lot of ceiling fans on the market that are energy-efficient and they all function similarly to standard ceiling fans, with the exception that they may be programmed to turn on and/or circulate air at specific times. That’s why they’re so convenient: they’re simple to operate.
There’s also the option of using a smartphone app to regulate the fan’s speed from bed. When you go back to your room, you may set the desired temperature by adjusting the speed of your ceiling fan from the comfort of your car.
Is It Possible to Retrofit an Existing Ceiling Fan with Smart Technology?
Yes. It may not be a good idea to replace your old ceiling fans with new ones just because they are “Hey Google” compatible. So, if you want to replace an older model, you may do one of three things:
The Necessity of a Hardwire Kit
Using this remote control kit, your existing ceiling fan may be upgraded to include smart features. This kit allows you to operate your ceiling fan from a distance using a wireless remote.
These days, you may manage your standard ceiling fan with the help of a Wi-Fi-enabled remote control kit like the one made by Ostrich. You may use the smartphone app or the portable remote for this. To make use of Alexa, several of these kits may be combined with an Echo device.
Also Read: Best Hampton Bay Ceiling Fans
Integrate Your Current Infrared Remote with a Control Hub
Using a control hub, you may add sophisticated automation functions to an older ceiling fan that originally just came with a basic infrared or radio frequency remote.
The inputs from your remote controls are recorded by the control hub and then played back at a predetermined time to the ceiling fans. In this way, you may enjoy the benefits of a smart ceiling fan.
You may get even more features by using a mobile app. Bond is just one example of a control hub that can work with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home.
Putting up a Z-Wave Switch in Place of Your Existing Fan Wall Switch
In a smart home, the gadgets are linked together by means of a Z-wave switch. Due to their capacity to link products from different manufacturers, such switches have recently surpassed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in popularity.
Can Smart Fans Save you Money?
You may reduce your home’s energy use by using smart fans (and wallet). Integrating with temperature sensors allows you to avoid leaving your fans running all day while you’re gone by activating them only when the inside temperature reaches a predetermined threshold.
Also Read: Are Ceiling Fans Outdated
Are smart ceiling fan worth it?
If you wish to improve your room’s temperature control but aren’t sure whether or not a smart ceiling fan is necessary, follow these guidelines:
If you’re in the market for a new ceiling fan and want to cut down on your energy consumption without sacrificing the comfort of your home, a smart ceiling fan is a great option, and the little premium over a “dumb” fan is easily offset by the money you’ll save on your electricity bill.
If your ceiling fan currently only operates with a pull chord, you may want to consider upgrading your fan with one of the alternatives listed above. Although these don’t have high-tech sensors for temperature, humidity, and the like, they do provide you more leeway in setting schedules and controlling lighting.
With a Z-Wave or Zigbee smart home hub, it’s easy to replace a standard wall switch with a Z-wave version that lets you adjust the fan’s speed and lighting without leaving your chair.
Also Read: What is the Blue Wire for in a Ceiling Fan
Conclusion
The smart ceiling is a fun and easy way to control your ceiling fan’s settings, whether you want to change the speed or turn on the lights. In the warm months, a smart ceiling fan may be a low-cost way to keep a space comfortable. Start researching your options if you want to get a smart ceiling fan; there are many models available, and you can pick the one that has the settings that work best in your space.
About The Author
